Machine for forming springs



Jan. 30, 1940. F. J. HoRToN 2,188,405

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Filed Aug. 12, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Edv/ J/OrOfz .y

' ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 30, 1940. F. J. HoRToN MACHINE FR FORMING SPRINGS Filed Aug. 12', 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 30, 1940. F. J. HoRToN 2,188,406

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Filed Aug. l2, -1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I N V EN TOR. @aN/f Jrion.

BY ETP- E-Mzgwym ATTORNEYS.

Jan. so, l1940. F. JQHORTON 2,188,406

MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRINGS Filed Aug. l2, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 NVENTOR. /TWM/f JAL/orion.

A TTORNEY.

Jan- 30 1.940 F. J. HQR'roN 2,188,406

` MACHINE FOR FORMING SPRNG.c

Filed Aug. 12, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 E-l-T- INVENTOR.v 'Z/ @1/Varian,

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Jan. 1940 UNITED STATES zusam MACHINE Fon FoaMlNG sramcs Frank J. Horton, Detroit, Mich., assignor to The Murray Corporation oi' A merlca, a corporation of Delaware Application August 12, 1935, Serial No. 35,705

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to the formation of springs, and more particularly to the formation of at springs which are longitudinally arched, and which embody a plurality of sinuli ous lateral turns.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and machine for making springs which include a longitudinal arch of `predetermined radius and a plurality of sinuous lateral turns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for forming a succession of sinuous lateral turns in spring stock.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for forming a longitudinal arch of predetermined radius in spring stock.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine as above stated, and embodying mechanism .to simultaneously introduce sinuous lateral turns and longitudinal arching into spring stock.

It is a further' object of the present invention to provide a machine of the last mentioned type in which the forming mechanism comprises a 25 rotatable forming wheel having extendible fingers spaced in accordance with the desired spacing between lateral turns of the springs, and

embodying arms movable axially of the wheel to wind the spring stock about the forming wheel 30 fingers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for formingstock into springs, and embodying mechanism to condition the spring stock for treatment by mechanism of the type stated above.

It is a furtherobject of the present invention to provide awire forming machine embodying supplementary mechanism to modify the radius of the longitudinal spring arch, as preset by the: il above stated forming mechanism;-

.It is a further object of the present invention to .provide `a 'machine for forming springs in which spring stock is. .fed continuously through theV machine and embodying mechanism to cut i. the completed spring stock to lengths embodying any selected number of lateral turns.

It is a further object of the .present invention to provide spring' stock cutting mechanism, for use separately or in combination with a spring forming machine as above stated, embodying cutting vknives adapted to cut the spring st ockat anyfdesired point along lateral turns formed therein.

Ity'is a further object of the 'present' invention :f5 to provide :cutting mechanism 'for cutting to lengths springs of the above stated type and embodying means to accuxiately position the. spring stock with respect to the cutting edges.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting oil' mechanism for spring stock 5 of the above stated type, constructedy to selec tively cut at either end of the lateral turns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting-oil` mechanism for spring stock and embodying improved driving mecha- 10 nism therefor. 1

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cutting oft mechanism of the last mentioned type and embodying anfimproved form of automatic clutch between the driving sourcefand 5 the cutting head. 1 y e; 1

' It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine for converting spring stock into longitudinally arched springs having spaced lateral turns, including mechanism for cutting 20 oil' predetermined lengths of such spring stock, and, embodying improved means to operate the forming and cutting oil mechanism in timed relation. y

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wireiorming machine ofthe last mentioned type, in embodying means to readily adjust the machine to provide for cutting oil' different lengths of completed spring stock.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention appear in the following .description and in the appended claims. v

Claims to the improved cutting off mechanism per se are presented in yapplicants copending application, Serial No. 250,612, filed January 12, 35 1939, and assigned-to the same assigneetas the present application. i

In the drawings, throughout which corresponding reference characters are used lto designate corresponding parts, f. l .i

Fig. 1. i s a .view infront elevation of a spring forming machine embodying the presentinvention; y l, j

Fig. 2 is avfragmentary topgplanview of apreferred form of .auxiliary device for conditioning the spring vstock for treatment: y

Fig. 3 is a top plan View, with certain ofthe parts broken awayof the structure illustrated in `1i`8.' 1;v` f

. Fig. 4 is a. view invertical section takenalong the line l-l'of Ii"lg.. 1;ls 4 .V .i Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section taken along Fig. 6 is (a viewin vertical'secti'on the line I-'B vof Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a completed spring illustrative of the product of the machine of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a length of yspring stock, having the longitudinal curvature and lateral turns provided by the machine of the present invention, and in condition to be cut to length;

Fig. 9 is a view in rear elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1 and illustrating particularly the timing mechanism and the drive mechanism for the cutting off elements of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of an improved clutching device which may be used to control the cutting head;

Fig. 11 is a view in vertical section taken along the line iI-il of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line I2--I2 of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a view taken along the line I3--i3 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view taken along the line |4|4 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a detailed view of the cutting knives forming part of the cutting ofi mechanism;

Fig. 16 is a view in vertical section taken along the line IG-IS of Fig. 15; and

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding in general to Fig. 15 and illustrating a cutting off action at opposite ends of lateral turns.

In the form illustrated, the spring forming machine of the present invention is designed particularly to form springs of the type disclosed and claimed in the Kaden Patent No. 2,002,399, granted May 21, 1935. Such springs are of the fiat type, are arched longitudinally about a radius which either exceeds or is less than the radius of the spring when put to use, and include a plurality of sinuous lateral turns. Springs of this character have the characteristic of retaining their resiliency and of returning to their original shape, even though temporarily bent in use into an arch of opposed radius. As will be apparent from an understanding of the present invention, however, many of the features thereof are applicable to the formation of springs having other structural features.

In the form illustrated, the improved machine of the present invention comprises, generally, spring stock conditioning elements, elements for forming the spring stock into longitudinally arched, laterally turned formation, elements for modifying or reforming the longitudinal radius of curvature and elements for automatically cutting oi the completed spring stock to desired lengths. The spring stock is fed continuously` through the above enumerated elements in the order named, which are driven in continuous timed relation.

In the illustrated form of the present invention, the conditioning elements, which are disposed to act upon the unformed spring stock just prior to its delivery to the forming mechanism, comprise a series of grooved rollers between which the spring stock is passed, and which act ,to straighten the wire and relieve stresses therein. The straighteners may comprise a series of rollers and cooperating opposed blocks spaced in the direction of feed of the spring stock, which straighten the stock. If desired, the rollers may be staggered somewhat so that as the stock passes between them it is subjected to a mild working by being flexed in opposite directions. Preferably. and as illustrated, one straightening unit is provided to act in one plane and a succeeding unit is provided to act in a plane normal to the first mentioned plane.

After passing through the straightening mechanism, the straight spring stock passes through suitable guides and is then passed partially around the periphery of a forming wheel, in the course of which passage the sinuous lateral turns and the longitudinal arch are formed in it.

The forming wheel preferably comprises a circular member driven in step by step movement by suitable driving mechanism described hereinafter. The forming wheel also includes two series of radially disposed forming fingers, the two series of iingersbeing spaced axially of the wheel a distance equal to the desired length of lateral turn of the spring stock. The fingers in each series are angularly spaced on the periphery of the wheel a distance double the width of the desired lateral turns in the completed spring stock. The fingers of the two series are staggered with respect to each other, the fingers of one series being provided to form the turns at the other side of the completed spring stock.` Suitable camming mechanism is provided to extend and retract the fingers outwardly from and into the forming wheel. Each finger reaches an initial forming point in the retracted condition, and is there extended to cooperate with the spring stock. Just prior to the extending movement of such finger, one of a pair of folding cams engages the spring stock and folds it axially of the forming wheel to a position past such one finger. 'I'he extended finger and cam are in vertical alignment, and the finger retracts the cam against the force of a spring bias. The extended finger retains the spring stock in the position in which it is moved by the cam. The forming wheel is then indexed one more step, bringing the next finger of the other series to the initial forming position. At this time, the other 'of the folding cams engages the spring stock and folds it axially of the forming wheel but in a direction opposite to that of the first folding movement. This folding movement brings the spring stock past such last mentioned finger which is then extended to retain the wire in the folded position. The next indexing movement of the forming wheel brings another finger of the first series into operating position, at which time the first folding cam folds the spring stock past such finger, after which such finger is extended to retain the stock. In this manner, the folding cams swing back and forth successively in timed relation to the indexing of the forming wheel and wind the spring stock about the successively extended fingers. In the form illustrated, the spacing between the respective fingers and the radius of curvature of the vturned portions of the successive turns of the stock is such that the straight portions of the respective turns are parallel to each other although, as will appear from further description, other relationships are possible.

Suitable guide mechanism is provided adjacent the forming wheel to retain the spring stock in engagement with the periphery of the forming wheel, so that the forming wheel is advanced as the spring stock is longitudinally arched about a radius substantially equal to the radius of the forming wheel. This guiding mechanism causes the spring stock to follow the forming wheel through substantially one-quarter revolutionv thereof. after which it is released fromthe forming wheel'and is directed/by suitable guldinl mechanism to a reforming'wheelA which, in certain applications of the machine. is desirable to still further reduce the longitudinal radius of curvature of `the spring stock. After the spring stock is released from the lforming wheel, the extended fingers are suitably retracted into the forming wheel, by mechanism illustrated as comprising a cam which forces the fingers inward- 1y against an outward spring bias.

The reforming or reducing mechanism may be arranged in various ways, and asiliustrated, comprises a forming wheel, suitably driven in accurate timed relation to the movement of the -i'lrst forming wheel. and which is provided with a plurality of spaced tooth-like projections which are spaced to cooperate with the spaces between turns of the spring stock, and advance the stock. Mechanism is provided to cause the spring stock to follow the curvature of the reforming wheel throughout a portion of a revolution thereof.

'I'he continuous length of spring stock, longitudinally arched and laterally folded, as above springs having either an odd or an even number of turns may be produced.

The cutting oil mechanism is driven in accurate timed relation to the step by step movements of the initial and reducing forming wheels under control of a series of timing gears which are replaceable. The driving mechanism for the cutting head also includes an improved form of cutting head clutch actuated by the timing mechanism, and by which the cutting head may be connected to a continuously rotated member.v For each cutting operation, the cutting head is clutched to the driving force long enough to effect a complete reciprocation thereof, after which the clutch automatically releases and is not again rendered effective until the desired number of lateral turns of spring stock, as determined by the timing mechanism, has passed by the cutting head.

Conditioning mechanism Considering the above mentioned elements in more detail, and referring 'first to Fig. 2, the spring stock 30 is fed from any suitable source of supply (not shown) to conditioning mechanism comprising a pair of mutually normal straightening units 32 and '34 respectively. Unit 32 is i1- lustrated as comprising two series of parallel rollers 36, disposed in staggered relationships,- each roller being opposed by a. cooperating presser block 38. The position of the rollers 86 as well as of the blocks 38 is adjustable by adjusting studs 40. Mechanism of this type is well known, and it will be understood that as the stock 80 is fed between the successive rollers, it may either be straightened, or may also be flexed somewhat and, hence, mildly worked. The unit 34 is preferably a duplicate of the unit 82, but is disposed to act upon the stock 80 in a plane normal to that effected by unit 82.

Both

similarly secured to frame 44 by studs 48 (Fig. l).

'li'ornting mechanism Referring particularly to Figs. l, 3, 5 and 6. the forming mechanism comprises generally the forming wheel designated as a whole 88, mounted forrotation about a horimntal axis, a pair of fclding 4arms 84 and 58 pivotally mounted for swinging` movement transverse to the path of movement of stock 88 around wheel 88; and a guide 48 secured to the machine frame by studs 5I, which guide serves to retain the laterally folded stock in' peripheral engagement with wheel 58 and thereby introduce a longitudinal arch in the stock.

As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, wheel 80 comprises a ring-like element 88 to which side Iplates 82 and 64 are suitably secured, as by studs 86 and 88. Two series of regularly spaced radial openings are farmed in ring 60, each opening in one series accommodating a finger 10, and each opening in the other series accommodating a finger 12. The ngers 10 and 12 of the two series are staggered, so that in traversing the periphery of wheel 50, the fingers of the two series alternate in regularly spaced relationship.` The fingers 1li are disposed on one side of a vertical central plane through wheel 50, and the `fingers of 'l2 are disposed on the other side of such vertical central plane. Each finger 1|l and 12 slides relatively freely in the associated radial opening in ring 80, outward movement thereof from ring 60 being limited by a stop pin 14, fltted into each finger and disposed for movement in a cooperating radial recess formed in ring 60. The inner ends of each of the fingers 10 and 12 is chamfered to provide opposite cam surfaces 16,`for cooperation with a stationary cam member 18, the periphery of which includes a raised cam portion 80, disposed to be engaged by the cam surfaces 18 of the fingers 18 and 12, and extend such lingers. The relation is such that during the travel of a finger of either series from the position designated a in Fig.'5 to a position designated b in the same figure, such finger is maintained in 82, by a key 84. One end of shaft 82 is nonrotatably secured'by a key 83 infa support 85.

which may form a portion of the machine frame. 'I'he other end of shaft 82 is supported in the boss portion 88, forming part of end plate 82'. Preferably, and as illustrated, shaft 82 is hollowed out to form a lubricant duct 88.

End plate 62 includes the integrally formed boss portion 96, mentioned above, which is rotatably supported in the bearing 90, which may `form a part of the Vmachine frame and to the outer end of which a worm wheel 92 is nonrotatably secured by a key 94. Plate 50 includes a similar boss portion 95, rotatably supported in a bearing 91 which may also form a portion of the machine frame. Y

Suitable intermittent or step by step motion is imparted to worm wheel 92 through a worm 94 supported for rotation by a shaft 96 which, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 3, also carries a helical gear 98. Gear 98 mates with a corresponding helical gear |00, supported for rotation by a main drive shaft |02. Shaft |02 also carries a third gear |04, suitably driven by a cooperating pinion |06. Pinion |06 is secured upon a shaft |01, continuously driven by a main driving motor |09 through a suitable belt H8 and pulley I2. Shaft 96 is suitably supported in the machine frame portion ||4 within ball bearing unit ||6 and ||8, and itv will be understood that shaft |02 may be correspondingly supported within the machine frame.

The respective teeth of Worm gear 94 are given a lead only throughout a portion of the periphery of the worm. With this arrangement, as will be understood, continuous rotation of worm 94 in response to the continuous rotation of drive shaft |02 and the intermediate gearing as above described, eiects rotation of Worm wheel 492 only during the portion of each revolution of worm gear 94 that the teeth of the latter are given a lead. Accordingly, continuous rotation of worm gear 94 results in an intermittent or step by step movement of worm wheel 92, and consequently of the forming wheel 50.

It will be understood that the driving relation between forming wheel 50 and drive shaft |02, is such that each step by step movement of forming wheel 50 moves a. finger such as 12 of one series one step from the initial position shown as a in Fig. 5, and brings the next finger, such as 10, of the other series to such initial position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, folding arm 56 is of the bell crank type, pivotally connected by a pin to a standard |22, which may be secured to the machine frame portion 44 in any suitable mannerfas by the studs |24. The outer end of one of the arms of bell crank 56 is provided with a boss portion |26 in which a cam |21 is slidably supported, and is biased downwardly to an extended position by a spring |2|. The shank |23 of cam |21 extends upwardly through an opening formed in the top of boss portion |26, and receives a locking-pin |25 which is disposed in a groove in the upper surface of boss |26. Pin |25 prevents rotation, limits downward movement, of cam |21. Cam |21 functions, as later described, to wind the stock about the fingers 12. The outer end of the other arm of bell crank 56 is forked and is universally connected to the forked end of a connecting rod |32 of suitably adjustable length by pins |28 and |30. The other end of connecting rod |32 is pivotally connected by pin |34 to crank arm |40, which is secured for rotation by the outer end of a shaft |42, the opposite ends of which are suitably journalled in the machine frame within the bearing bosses |44 and |46. Shaft |42 carries a gear |50 which mates with a smaller gear |52, carried on the previously described continuously driven main drive shaft |02.

With this construction, it will be understood that in response to the continuous rotation of shaft |02 and crank arm |40, bell crank 56 is intermittently swung inwardly from the position illustrated in Fig. 3 to a position in vertical alignment with the initial forming position of the fingers 12. The timing relationship is such that bell crank 56 is brought to the inner or operating position and begins returnmovement from such position, just slightly in advance of the movement of a finger 12 into the initial forming position.

The other bell crank arm 54 is identical in construction withbell crank 56 and includes the forming cam |50. Arm 54 is universally connected to a connecting rod |53 which is in turn universally connected to a crank arm |54, continuously driven by shaft |42. It will be noted that crank arms |40 and |54 associated with bell crank 56 and 54 respectively are spaced 180 apart, so that arms 54 and 56 swing inwardly and outwardly in alternate relationship. The timing of arm 54 is such, accordingly, that cam |50 is brought to the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and is slightly retracted therefrom, just slightly in advance of the movement of a finger 10 to the initial position designated a in Fig. 5.

With reference to the operation of the forming elements, as above described, a forming operation of spring stock is begun by feeding such stock through the previously described roller leveler elements 32 and 34, through the guides 45 and 46, and bringing the leading straight end of the stock between and past sufficient of the extended fingers 10 and 12 of forming wheel 50, to prevent withdrawal of the stock from between the fingers in response to the operation of the first of the forming cams 21 and 50 to operate and form an initial bend. In the form illustrated, the stock is drawn from the supply source and through the roller leveler units 32 and 34 by the action of the forming mechanism. Preferably, therefore, in beginning a forming operation, the roller leveler adjusting screws are withdrawn suiiiciently so that the straight stock 30 may be freely passed through these units and connected to the forming mechanism. After the machine has been placed in operation, the roller levelers may be tightened down. It will be understood that the initial output of the machine may be discarded by cutting it away at a point between the forming mechanism and the cutting ofi? mechanism. l .It will also be understood that the machine normally operates upon a continuous length of wire and that an unusual starting operation of the above described character is necessary only Where a free end is introduced to themachine. It has `been found desirable in the practice of the present invention, accordingly, to interrupt the operation of the machine prior to the exhaustion of one supply, so that the free end of such supply may be suitably connected as by butt welding to the leading end of the next supply of straight stock.

Upon the starting of the machine, and with the straight spring stock 30 passing between guide 49 and the periphery of wheel 50, and between the two rows of fingers 10 and 12, it may be assumed that bell crank 54 rotates to the position villustrated in Fig. 3, during the course of which movement the spring stock 30 is engaged and a portion thereof carried with cam |50. Shortly after the arrival of cam at the position illustrated in Fig. 3, and before a substantial retracting or return movement thereof has occurred, an indexing movement of wheel 50 occurs bringing a pin 10 to the initial position designated a in Fig. 5. In the course of this indexing movement such pin 1l is moved to the extended position by cam portion 80. This extending movement of pin 10 occurs while it is under land in alignment with cam |00, and forces cam |80 to slide upwardly within the end of arm 84. The extending movement of pin I also brings it y into position in which it is effective to retain the stock 30 in the position in which it is moved by cam |50, thus forming the initial lateral turn in the stock.

During this initial bending movement the free end of spring stock 30 may be expected to swing to a position in which it bears against the inner side of the finger next in advance ofthe finger Just moved to extended position. The free end is preferably set far enough around wheel 50 so that in forming the initial turn the free end is prevented from moving from between the fingers.

Thev return movement of arm 54 is accompanied by an inward, counter clockwise rotation of the other arm 56, in the course of which the cam |21 associated therewith engages and forms aturn in stock similar to the turn previously formed by cam |50, but opposite thereto. Just prior to the' beginning of a retracting movement of cam |21, an indexing movement of wheel occurs, in the course of which a finger 12 is moved to a position underneath cam |21 and is simultaneously extended, forcing cam |21 upwardly within its supporting boss |26. The thus extended nger 'I2 retains the turn in stock 30 formed therein by the movement of cam |21.

During the return or clockwise motion of cam |21 which is begun, as described, during the extending movement of the finger 12,.an inward movement of cam is again in progress, as a consequence of which a turn is again formed in the straight stock 30, and at the conclusion of which another or succeeding finger 10 is` moved to the initial position, and is extended to retain the turn. i

It will be evident, therefore, that the cams |50 and |21 form alternate and opposite turns in the stock' 30, and that at the conclusion of each cam movement a finger 10 or 12 is moved to the initial position and extended to retain the stock in folded formation.

The guide 48 serves to retain the stock 30 down upon the fingers 10 and 'l2 and causes the folded stock 30 to follow the curvature of the surface of wheel 50. Simultaneously with the formation of the lateral turns in stock 30, therefore, a longitudinal arch is also introduced therein, the radius offwhich is determined by the radius of wheel 50. The laterally folded and longitudinally arched stock, having the curved turn ends c (Fig. 7) land the straight turn portions d is permitted to leave the surface of forming wheel 50 at the point designated b in Fig. 5, at which point the guard 48 terminates. 'I'he stock tends, as 'will be understood, to assume asubvstantial circular form as shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 1, the thus released stock is next led through the reforming and cutting off mechanism.

As will be evident, the length of each lateral turn is equal to the axial spacing between the successive series of forming fingers. Also the radius of curvature of the curved portion of each turn is determined by diameters of the forming fingers and by diameters of the forming cams |00L and |21. Similarly, it will be evident that the spacing along the length of the spring stock between each successive lateral fold is determined by the peripheral spacing between the fingers of the respective series.

Reforming mechanism being in timed relation to the movements of the above described initial forming mechanism.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 4, the reforming and indexing wheel |10 is securedto a shaft |12, which is suitably journaled in the frame portions |14 and |10, and the outer end of which also carries a spur gear |18. Gear |18 mates with a gear |80, which is secured to a shaft |82. Shaft |82 is suitably journaled in the frame portions |84 and |80, and carries a worm wheel |88 which meshes with an indexing worm gear |90 which is similar in construction to the previously described indexing worm gear 84, associated with forming wheel 50. Worm gear |80 is continuously driven from sprocket |8| through the mating bevel gears |82 and |84 and the mating spur gears |86 and |98. Gear |84 is secured to the shaft |83, which also carries worm gear |80. Gears |82 and |86 are secured upon the same shaft |88, which is suitably journalled in the machine frame, and spur gear |88 and sprocket |8| are secured upon a common shaft 200 suitably journalled in the machine frame. Sprocket |8| is continuously driven by motor |08 through chain 202 and a cooperating sprocket 204, which,

as best shown in Fig. 3, is mounted on the end of the previously described shaft `|01. A fly wheel 203 is preferably mounted on the outer end of shaft 200'to stabilize the operation during a cutting action, described later.

Through this system of gearing, the continuous rotation of shaft 200 results 'in an intermittent or step by step movement of reforming and indexing wheel |10. The relationship is such that reforming and indexing wheel |10, and the previously described forming wheel 50 are indexed at the same rate. It will be noted thata positive drive is provided between both indexing wheel 50 and shaft |01, and indexing and reforming wheel |10 and shaft |01 (Fig. 3).

The periphery of indexing wheel |10 includes a plurality of tooth-like projections 2|0, the width of and spacing between each of which is determined between the spacing between adjacent lateral turns in the spring stock. The projections 2|0 are positioned `near the axial center of the periphery of wheel |10, and the peripheral portions on each side of the projection 2|0 are cut away below the level of projection 2|0, to accommodate the turned end portions of the lateral turns in the spring stock.

The spring stock 30 is retained in engagement with and caused to follow the peripheral curvature of indexing wheel |10 during its passage therearound by a belt 2|2, which passes partially varound wheel |10 overlying the stock 30, 'and which also passes around three idler pulleys 2|4. 2|6 and! I8. Belt 2|2 is illustrated as formed of a single piece with openings cut therein to accommodate the teeth 2|0 on wheel |10. Alternatively, a pair of spaced belts may be used, and it will be also understood, that while friction is relied upon in the illustrated form, to drive belt 2|2, a toothed belt may be used. 'I'he idler pulleys 2|4 and 2|6 are suitably, rotatably supported within the machine frame, and the idler pulIe'y 2 I8 is slidably mounted on a slide 226 which rides in guides 222 formed in the machine frame. An adjusting stud 224 is provided to ilx the position of slide 226 with respect to the machine frame. Pulley 2|8 is so positioned that its periphery is engaged by the stock 36 before reaching the indexing wheel |16. As will be evident particularly from Fig. 1, by sliding idler pulley 2|8 to the right or to the left, an adjustment of the point on the periphery of indexing wheel |16 at which stock 36 first engages it may be made. 'I'his adjustment correspondingly determines the portion of the periphery of wheel |16 which the stock is caused to follow and thus constitutes an adjustment to determine the degree of change in the radius of curvature of the longitudinal arch in stock 36 which is effected by passing it over th indexing wheel |18.

Cutting o# mechanism Referring to Figs. l and 4, the stock 36 is fed by the indexing and reforming wheel |18 and the associated parts, directly over an anvil 221 associated with the cutter 226. Cutter 226 is secured to a block 228 which is guided in a vertically reciprocating path between guides 234 and 236 which may form part of the machine frame. Block 228 is pivotally connected to a pitman 232 by pin 236. The guide 234 is secured to the frame by stud 238 and is thus conveniently removable therefrom. As described hereinafter, the driving mechanism for cutter 226 is arranged to provide intermittent cutting movement thereof in timed relation to the passage of stock 36 over anvil 221. The spacing between cutting movements is determined by the length of spring stock desired in each spring section, measured in lateral turns of spring stock.

Referring further to Figs. 1 and 4, and also to the detail Figs. 15, 16 and 1'1, cutter 226 includes the two spaced downwardly projecting cutting portions 246 and 242, the opposite lateral faces 244 and 246 of which, respectively, are ground to provide cutting edges. The cutter 226 also includes the two spaced downwardly projecting guide portions 248. Anvil 221, suitably supported on the machine frame in a horizontal position, is provided with the openings 256 and 252 which accommodate the cutting and guide portions of cutter 226. These openings are separated by a guide 254 which serves to guide the downward movement of cutter 226. As shown in Fig. i, the machine frame may be apertured at 256 to provide a chuteto permit the cut-away portions Y of stock 36 to fall to a collecting vessel.

As shown by the comparative views, Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, the cutting portion 246 is disposed to cut away the curved portion c at one side of stock 36, and the cutter portion 242 is disposed to cut away the curved portion c at the other side of stock 36. As will be understood accordingly, in cutting sections of spring stock having an even number of turns, the successive cutting actions will be effected by one of the cutting portions 248 and 242, and the other cutting portion will be ineffective. In forming sections of spring stock having an odd number of lateral turns, the cutting portions 246 and 242 will be alternately effective. During an effective cutting movement, each of the cutting portions 246 and 242 cuts through the spring stock 36 at two points each near the end of adjacent spaced portions d of the stock, so that the completed sections of spring stock all terminate in straight sections. During an ineffective cutting movement, the cutting portion 246 and 242 passes between the spaced portions d, but does not engage the spring stock 36 on either side. As the cutter 226 advances downwardly to effect a cutting action, the guides 248 which extend below the cutting edges, first enterA between adjacent straight portions of the stock and center it with respect to the cutting edges.

With reference to the driving mechanism for cutter 226, and referring particularly to Figs. 1, 10 and 4, the previously mentioned pitman 232 is provided at its upper end with a split bearing 266, which rotatably receives theeccentric 262 which is formed at one end of the horizontal shaft 264. Shaft 264 is supported in a bearing 266 which may be formed in the machine frame, and may be selectively clutched to the previously mentioned continuously rotating gear |96.

Referring to Figs. l through 14, the clutch comprises a clutch bar 268 having a forward curved portion 216 and a rearwardly extending shank 212, which is guided for horizontal reciprocating movement between guides 214 which may be secured to the machine frame by studs 215. A lever 216 which is keyed to a shaft 218 is disposed to enter a recess 286 formed in slide 212 to impart the reciprocating movement to clutch bar 268 in response to the timing mechanism as described below.

The forward concave portion 216 of clutch 268 is provided with the two concentric concave recesses 282 and 284, which meet to. form a shoulder 286, which is normal to the axis of bar 268, but which is curved as shown in Fig. 13 to provide a cam action for the abutment 296 which extends outwardly from the locking pin 29|. Locking pin 29|, which includes the dog 292 and the shank 294, is slidably received in a longitudinal recess formed in sleeve 296. Sleeve 296 is also longitudinally slotted to accommodate the abutment 296. The shank 294 of locking pin 29| is cored out to receive and form a seat for one end of a biasing spring 291, the other end of which is seated against the inner end of the recess formed in sleeve 296.

The shoulder or hub portion 366 of gear |96 is provided with a plane surface 362 in which is cut the cam shoulder 364, the face of which is parallel with the axis of hub 366. 'I'he portion 366 which adjoins cam shoulder 364 is parallel with` the surface 362 and the portion 368 is a graduated cam surface which rises from the level of the surface 366 to the level of the surface 362.

The parts are shown in Fig. 12 in the unclutched or released position, in which dog 292 of locking pin 29| is retained in the retracted position by the engagement between abutment 296 `and the cam surface 286 formed in the clutch bar 268. With the parts in this relation, the continuous rotation of gear |96 and the hub 360 thereof is ineffective to impart rotation to sleeve 296. Withdrawal of the clutch bar 268, as controlled bythe timing mechanism described below, however, moves cam shoulder 286 out of the path of abutment 296, releasing locking pin 29|, the dog 292 of which accordingly is moved to the right as viewed in Fig. l2 to a position in which it engages the flat portion 362 on the surface of hub 366. Rotation of'hub 366 occurs in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 14, so that dog 292 is flrst traversed by the flat portion 362 and then by the graduated portion 368, which per- 12, however, abutment 288 associated with lockev ing pin 29| is out of the range of the cam shoulder 288, so that such return movement of clutch bar 288 does not affect the position of locking pinA 29 I. Toward the conclusion of one complete revolution of sleeve 298 and locking pin 29|, however, abutment 298 moves into engagement with, the

inwardly curved portion 8|8 of cam shoulder 288.

Further rotation of abutment 298 causes it to ride along the shoulder 288 and gradually withdraw locking pin 29| from engagementwith the vertl- .cal cam shoulder 884 associated with hub 888.

'Ihe parts are so related that the release of lock" ing pin 28| occurs after sleeve 288 has made substantially one complete revolution. Sleeve 298 and consequently the cutter `,head 228 and the associated parts are brought promptly to rest upon the.release of the locking pin 29| by a continuously applied brake 8|2 which encircles sleeve 298, and is non-rotatably secured by the engagement betweenthe adjusting stud 8|4 and a portion 8|8 of the machine frame.

Referringparticularly to Figs. 4 and 9, Pthe previously described crank 218 which effects the lreciprocationv of the clutch bar288 is suitably 4supported in the machine frame on shaft `218,`

which also carries a connecting crank arm 828 to which a downwardly extending connecting rod 322 is pivotaliy connected by pin 824. The lower end of roel- 822 is universally connected to a boss 328 formed at the end of a rock bar 828. which is pivotaliy `supported within the machine frame' on a shaft 888. The other end of rock bar 828 is formed toV provide the inwardly extending lug 382 which is disposed to co-operate with a cam 834 formed on the periphery of a timing wheel 388. Forming wheel 888 is supported for rotation by a shaft 838 which also carries atiming gear 848. Timing gear 848 meshes with a cooperating gear 842, which in turn meshes with a third gear 844. Gear 844 is keyed to the previously described shaft |82 which is given step by step movement by the worm gear |98 (Fig. 4).

It will be recalled that the reforming and indexing/ wheel |18 is also directly driven in response to the step by stepmovements of' shaft |82, so that the timing mechanism and the indexing wheel are driven synchronously. It will also be recalled that shaft |82 is driven in timed relation to the step by step movement of the initial forming wheel 58.

The shaft 858,- upon which theintermediate timing gear 842 is supported is carried on a triangular plate 352, the position of which is 'adjustable and which may be locked in any desired position by a locking stud 884. The timing gears 848 vand 342 are retained on their associated shafts by nuts 34| and 843 and are thus readily removable. It will be understood' that by removing both gears and repositioning the adjusting plate 352, gears of different gear ratios may be substituted for the gears 848 and 842.

In operation, each successive step by step movement of shaft |82 which is eective to move index wheel |18 far enough to advance spring stock 88 through the machine the width of one lateral turn, and which accompanies a corresponding movement of the initial forming wheel 88, moves timing wheel 888 through a predetermined angle, depending upon the gear ratios off After a selected .the gears 848, 842 and 844.

number of such step by step movements, which represent the passage past the cutting on mechanism of a selected length of spring stock, the sloping'forward edge of cam 884, associated with timing wheel 888, is moved into engagement with the lug 882 associated with rock bar 828. This action lpulls rod 822 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 9, and effects, through cranks 218 and 828 a retracting; or .withdrawing movement of clutch.

bar 288. As cam 842 moves past lug 882, rock bar 828 is re1eased,- and push rod 822 is permitted to resume its illustrated position under the influence of the restoring spring 888, one end of `whichf bears against crank 828 and the lower end of which is seated against a stationary support 882. The momentary withdrawal of clutch bar 288, however, as previously described, is eifective to clutch the cutting mechanism to the continuously rotated drive gear |88 to eifect a complete reciprocation of cu ter head 228, during which the" stock 88 is cut As will be evident, the initiation of the clutching action occurs during the progress of a step by step movement of the timing mechanism, and consequently of( the indexing V so that the stock is at rest at the time of such engagement. Similarly, the `cutting action is completed and the ascending movement of the cutter head begun before the next step by step movement is initiated.

As will be understood, the cut olf lengths of.

completed spring stock may be discharged from the machine in any suitable manner. Illustra'- tive guide mechanism 818 is illustrated in Figs. vl, 4 and 9 in position to receive the completed stock.

As will be noted guide 818 follows substantially the free curvature of the completed stock, so that such stock falls freely therethrough.

Operation as a whole Tosummarize the operation of the machine as a whole, the straight spring stock 88 is fed through the straighteners 82 and 84 (Fig. 2), by the successive swinging movements of the folding arms 84 and 58. 'Ihe folding arms 54 and 58 alternately swing inwardly and outwardly, carrying the cams |21 and |58 associated therewith (Fig. 3) into engagement with the spring stock 88 and forming opposite turns therein. The forming wheel 58 moves'in step by step timed relation to the swinging movements of folding arms 54 and 58 and the completion of a folding movement by either cam |21 or |58 is followed by an outward movement of a cooperating finger 12 or 18 tov leased stock is led around the reforming and indexing wheel |10, the longitudinal radius of curvature being reduced, if desired, in accordance with the positioning of the guide wheel 2 I8 (Figs. 1 and 4). The reforming and indexing wheel |10 is driven in timed relation to the movement of the initial forming wheel 50, and feeds the stock directly between the cut of! anvil 221 and the cutter 229.

After the passage past the cutter 229 of a selected length of completed spring stock, including either an odd or an even number of lateral turns,

the timing mechanism including sears 240, 242 and 244 (Fig. 9) effects a withdrawing movement of clutch bar 269 (Figs. 10 through 14). This withdrawing movement releases clutch pin 29|, which accordingly moves dog 292 into the path of the continuously driven cam hub 300. Further movement of shoulder 300 permits locking dog 292 to move into the path of the clutching cam shoulder 394. Upon the engagement of shoulder 394 with dog 292, the cutter head shaft 264 is driven by the continuously rotating gear |96 and causes cutter 226 to descend, cut oi! the stock 90 and rise toits initial position. At the conclusion of such cutting movement, dog 292 is cammed out of engagement with shoulder 304 by the cooperation between abutment 290 and the cam shoulder 296 formed in clutch bar 26B. Upon such release, the cutter head shaft 264 is promptly brought to rest by the continuously acting brake SI2.

Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be evident that various changes in the form, number and arrangement of parts may be made therein within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A spring forming machine comprising, in combination, a first forming element operable to form a longitudinal arch of predetermined diameter in spring stock, a second forming element operable to modify said longitudinal arch, means for operating said first and second elements in timed relation, and cutting on means operable in timed relation to said forming elements and positioned to cut said stock into sections of predetermined length after it is acted upon by said second vforming element.

2. A machine for forming springs from spring stock comprising, in combination, anv intermittently rotated forming member, folding cam means intermittently movable into cooperative relation with said forming member to introduce sinuous lateral turns in said stock, and means for retaining said turned stock in peripheral engagement with said member to introduce a longitudinal arch therein.

3. A spring forming machine comprising, in combination, intermittently movable ann means for forming successive lateral turns in spring stock, an intermittently movable forming wheel rotatable past said arm means for retaining said turns in said stock, and means for retaining said turned stock in peripheral engagement with said member to introduce a longitudinal arch therein.

4. A spring forming machine comprising, in combination, a rotatably supported forming wheel, two series of fingers extending radially from the periphery of said forming wheel, an

arm associated with each of said series and mov- Y able transversely to the plane of rotation of said wheel for cooperating with said fingers to form a series of sinuous, lateral turns in spring stock, and

aisaaoe means for' operating said arms in successive alternate relation and -in timed relation-to said wheel. I

5. A spring forming machine for forming a succession of sinuous, lateral turns and a longitudinal arch in spring stock comprising a pair of alternately movable folding arms for forming said turns, an intermittently operable rotary member associated with said `arms for retaining the said turns in said stock, and means for retaining saidv turned stock in peripheral engagement gwith said member to introduce a longitudinal arch therein.

6. A -spring forming machine, comprising, in combination, a movably mounted feed member having an arcuate surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, means cooperating with said feed member to form a succession of. lateral turns in the stock, and means stationarily mounted adjacent said arcuate surface acting to retain the turned stock in engagement with said arcuate surface so as to form a longitudinal arch in the stock.

7. A spring forming machine, comprising, in combination, an intermittently rotatable feed member having an arcuate surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, intermittently operable folding cam means for cooperating with the feed member to form a succession of lateral v turns in the stock, and means for retaining the turned stock in engagement with thearcuate surface so as to form a longitudinal arch therein.

8. A spring forming machine, comprising, vin combination, a movably mounted feed member having an arcuate'surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, means cooperating with said feed member to form a succession of lateral turns inthe stock, means stationarily mounted adjacent said arcuate surface acting to retain the turned stock in engagement with' said arcuate surface so as to form a longitudinal arch inthe stock, and a forming element operable in timed relation to said feed member and positioned to receive the turned stock and modify said longitudinal arch therein.

9. A spring forming machine, comprising, in combination, a movably mounted feed member having an arcuate surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, means cooperating with said feed member to form a succession of lateral turns in the stock, means stationarily mounted adjacent said arcuate surface acting to retain the turned stock in engagement with said arcuate surface so as to forma longitudinal arch in the stock, and cut o mechanism operable in timed relation to the operation of said feed member and disposed to cut said turned stock into predetermined lengths, each cutting operation being eiected adjacent the fold between successive said lateral turns.

10. A spring forming machine, comprising, in combination, an intermittently rotatable feed member having an arcuate surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, intermittently i operable folding cam means for cooperating kwith combination, an intermittently rotatable feed member having an arcuate surface for advancing spring stock through the machine, intermittently operable folding cam means for cooperating with the feed member to form a succession of lateral turns in the stock, means for retaining the turned stock in engagement with the arcuate surface so as to form alongitudinal arch therein. and'out Disclaimer 2,188,406.-Franlc J. Horton, Detroit, Mich. MACHINE ron FonmNG SPRINGS.- Patent dated Jan. 30, 1940. Disclaimer filcdFeb. 3,- 1950, by the assignee, No-Sag Spring Company. Hereb enters this dsclaimerto claims 9`and 11v of said patent.

(pical Gaette February 28, 1950). 

